Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved sports helmet including a quick release connector assembly for the faceguard that allows for rapid disconnection of the faceguard from the helmet shell. The connector includes a bracket, and a coupler mechanism featuring an elongated pin, a head component, a spring, a retractable engaging element and a washer. The connector assembly is moveable between a use position, wherein the faceguard is secured to the shell by the bracket and the coupler mechanism, and a released position wherein the bracket and the faceguard are disconnected from the shell. An inwardly directed actuation force that lacks a rotational component is applied to the elongated pin to move from the use position to the released position.

Abstract: Ergonomic protective air filtration devices and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed herein. An ergonomic protective air filtration device includes a stack of at least two layers of an air permeable material, the stack forming a body, a periphery, and a back; a plurality of intersecting three-dimensional V-shaped pleats extending from the periphery and into the stack of layers, so the back of the device defines a breathing chamber adapted to cover a mouth and a nose of the wearer; and a retaining means engaging the body of the device to secure the device to a face of the wearer and to create the breathing chamber. The ergonomic protective air filtration device provides protection against contaminated droplets, fluid splashes, solid particulates, pathogenic microorganisms, or aerosoled air pollutions.

Abstract: A protective base lens configured for attachment to the visor or face shield of a helmet upon which protective tear-away lenses may be mounted. The protective base lens includes an elongated flexible clear transparent sheet with apertures at each end with post member fasteners being reversibly secured within the apertures. A pressure sensitive adhesive is affixed to the bottom surface at each end of the transparent sheet to attach the protective base lens to the helmet visor. One or more tear-away lenses operationally engage the post member fasteners and are reversibly mounted to the top surface of the transparent sheet. The protective base lens being designed and configured to be used with or without tear-away protective lenses.

Abstract: A device for use with a helmet in contact sports, which includes a curved body connected with the helmet and configured for disposal along a front part of a user's neck. The body includes: (i) planar first and second surfaces, the first surface having a curved portion to generally conform under the user's chin; and (ii) a third surface that is curved along the front part of the user's neck and configured to be spaced from but does not contact the user's neck. The device is configured to absorb an impact force and resist the user's neck from moving forward during a sports collision. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A visor assembly includes a main visor secured to a helmet and a movable visor extension for increasing the operational length of the main visor to inhibit debris from striking the goggles or face of the rider during use. The visor assembly further includes a latching mechanism for maintaining the visor extension in a retracted position, a pair of biasing members for biasing the visor extension into an extended position when the latching mechanism is released, and guide tracks and guide-stops for guiding and stopping forward movement of the visor extension at the end of travel into the extended position. The visor extension is readily available to the rider to be used when needed without stopping, is positioned under the helmet visor when not needed so that it is out the way, and can be fitted onto conventional helmets.

Abstract: A head gear assembly that may include an upper head portion; a facial protector connectively attached to the upper head portion further having a first element a second element; and a movable armature comprising at least one armature member configured for movable engagement to at least one of the first element and the second element. The engagement between the movable armature and the at least one of the first and second elements results in the presence of a gap further comprising a gap size, which may be adjustable from a first size to a plurality of other sizes.

Abstract: A helmet device with retractable visor conceals a retractable visor within a safety helmet wherein the visor is extendable when necessary to protect a wearer against wind and rain. The device includes a rigid shell configured to cover a human head. The shell has a top portion, an open bottom portion, and a pair of sides extending between the top portion and the open bottom portion. A gap is formed between the sides and the top portion of the shell. A visor is retractable into the shell and is selectively positionable between an extended position and a storage position wherein the visor exposes the gap in the storage position and covers the gap in the extended position. A tab is coupled to the visor and extends outwardly from a bottom edge of the visor wherein the tab is configured to prevent the visor from extending fully into the shell.

Abstract: A tactical helmet system for covering at least a portion of a head of a user is provided. The tactical helmet system comprises a helmet having a first side and a second side and a facemask releasably securable to the helmet. An adjustment strap having a first end and a second end is provided with both the first end and the second end secured to the facemask. The adjustment strap is extendable about the head of the user and adjustable for a snug fit against the head of the user.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a replaceable lens cartridge for use with a face mask, for example a respirator. The cartridge comprises a plurality of molded lenses, each lens sized to extend over one or more eyes of a wearer and typically having a curved shape and a plurality of catches; and a molded carrier mounting the lenses in stacked arrangement, the carrier having a first set of catches receiving the catches on one of the lenses.

Abstract: A device and method of use for protection of the facial area including but not limited to the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears through the use of airflow to create a protective barrier for this area is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device for providing protection of the facial area through the use of airflow to create a protective barrier for this area is comprised of an air delivery member, a frame member, and an air nozzle member. In another embodiment, the device is also comprised of an air supply member. In another embodiment, the device is also comprised of a control member. In yet another embodiment, the air nozzle member is comprised of one or more air nozzles that may be of varying nozzle shapes to control the air barrier produced. The air nozzle member may also be positioned in various directions and the exit velocity of the air leaving the nozzle controlled via the control member. Lastly, in another embodiment the device may also be comprised of a lens member.

Abstract: A visor for a helmet or the like has a curved, transparent shield with an inner surface and an outer surface. The shield is provided with attachment elements for connecting the visor to the helmet and further includes a viewing region having a photochromatic insert at its outer surface, capable of responding to incident light. The shield is formed of a first plastic material provided with an amount of UV stabilizing additives, the UV stabilizing additives protecting the first plastic material from degradation by UV radiation during use, and the insert includes a second plastic material without UV stabilizing additives or having substantially less UV stabilizing additives than the first plastic material. A manufacturing process for producing a visor with a functional insert region is also disclosed.

Abstract: Multi-axis quick-release gimbal hinges that releasably attach a face protector to a helmet. The hinges allow the face protection to be easily and quickly released from the as-worn position to a position hanging from the other side of the helmet—even if the user has only a single hand free to release the face protector, and further to be fully detached from the helmet if desired. The present multi-axis quick-release gimbal comprise at least two degrees of freedom due to two gimbal hinges and also facilitate re-attachment compared to former systems, for example because the dual-gimbal hinge configuration holds the face protector in a particularly easy-access positions and/or by providing a rotational stop.

Abstract: An elongated guide that is removably attachable to a hardhat and a visor that is removably mountable to the elongated guide.

Abstract: A protective face covering includes a protective shell sized and shaped to fit only over certain areas of a user's face. The protective shell includes a protective airway covering extending substantially over the nose and mouth of the user, the protective airway covering having a plurality of openings to allow the passage of air. The protective shell also includes first and second protective jaw coverings that extend away from the protective airway covering along either side of the user's jaw. A protective chin covering extends from the protective airway covering substantially beneath the chin of the user. A filter filters air passing through the openings on the device. A fastener secures the device to the lower back of the skull of the user. The fastener extends between openings in the first and second jaw coverings, respectively, and extends around the head of the user.

Abstract: A helmet has a shell with a front opening covered by a faceguard of elongated wire segments. Loopstraps engage around wire segments at sides and a crown of the shell and fasteners connect the loopstraps to the shell. The fasteners each have a nut extending from an inside of the helmet shell out into a hole of the shell and an aperture of the loopstrap, and a stud removably connected to the nut by pushing and turning the stud by about a quarter turn to lock the stud to the nut. A tension spring between a head of the stud and the loopstrap urges the stud away from the nut when the stud is rotated to unlock the stud for facilitating a quick removal of the stud from the nut and a quick disconnection of the loopstrap and faceguard from the helmet shell.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved sports helmet including a quick release connector assembly for the faceguard that allows for rapid disconnection of the faceguard from the helmet shell. The connector includes a bracket, and a coupler mechanism featuring an elongated pin, a head component, a spring, a retractable engaging element and a washer. The connector assembly is moveable between a use position wherein the faceguard is secured to the shell by the bracket and the coupler mechanism, and a released position wherein the bracket and the faceguard are disconnected from the shell. An inwardly directed actuation force that lacks a rotational component is applied to the elongated pin to move from the use position to the released position. In addition, the sports helmet includes an adjustable pad assembly comprised of an inflatable bladder and a pad member, wherein the bladder displaces the pad member towards the center of the shell.

Abstract: A face protection to be fastened to a protective helmet, particularly for forestry workers, is described. A visor has two retaining arms and two bearing devices which can be fastened on the inside of a helmet shell for the retaining arms for pivoting the visor between an operating position in which the visor is swung downwards and protects the face, and a parking position in which the visor is swung upwards. Each retaining arm extends towards the free end thereof which can be connected to the bearing device from the visor substantially parallel to and at such a distance from the visor that a slot is formed between the retaining arm and the visor through which slot the helmet shell extends in the parking position, and that, in the parking position, the visor is arranged close-fitting on the outer surface of the helmet shell.

Abstract: A protective football helmet is provided having a face guard mounting system with at least one pair of opposed recessed mounting regions that ensure a low-profile mounting arrangement for a face guard to the helmet. The recessed mounting regions are formed in both the inner and outer surfaces of the helmet shell along a frontal opening in the shell. As a result of the streamlined frontal appearance provided by the face guard mounting system, the width of the face guard closely corresponds to the width of the helmet at the recessed mounting regions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a protective headpiece for an athlete of a game using a projectile to protect at least a portion of the brow, temple and jaw of the athlete's head against impacts by the projectile. The protective head piece is releasably securable to the athlete's head and includes a mask portion comprising an impact resistant material. The mask portion includes a brow portion adapted to substantially shield the athlete's brow area and having opposed sides. A temple portion is positioned at each side of the brow portion and adapted to substantially shield the athlete's temple areas. The mask portion also includes a jaw portion extending from each of the temple portions and adapted to substantially shield at least the athlete's lower jaw. The jaw portion includes a front portion which defines an opening sized to permit frontal viewing of the athlete's mouth.

Abstract: A flexible face mask is provided for protecting the face from outdoor elements. The face mask comprises a nose shield portion that conforms to a user's nose, a lip shield portion to cover the user's upper and lower lip, a chin shield portion to cover the user's chin, a pair of cheek shield portions to cover the sides of the user's face, a pair of ear strap portions to cover and receive the user's ears and eyewear, and a nostril cover portion to cover the nostrils. A reinforcing strip on the skin-facing side of the nose shield provides greater conformance to the user's nose. The face mask is configured for attachment to both eyeglasses and goggles. The bottom of the nose guard has two perforated triangular extensions that connect to form a larger triangular area that covers the user's nostril to provide protection from the elements while allowing the user to breath. A pair of “C”-shaped cuts in the nose shield receive the nose pads of the eyeglasses.

Abstract: This invention relates to headgear for protecting the wearer against facial injury, especially eye injury, and in particular eye injury caused by flying particulate matter, such as may be ejected or expelled from a work-piece, the headgear comprising a first, transparent and substantially non-porous eye-protecting membrane and a fabric wall which substantially surrounds the first membrane. The wall is preferably flexible and porous and is attached to the first membrane at its periphery so as to support the first membrane in a vision-facilitating position adjacent the eyes of a wearer in use, wherein the first membrane provides eye protection against particulate projectiles while allowing the wearer to see through it, and the wall provides protection to the wearer against ingress of particulate projectiles from around the transparent first membrane.

Abstract: A head-protector is described herein having a shell that is dimensioned to fit on the head of a user. The shell is formed with an opening to expose the face of the user. A locking mechanism attaches a lens to the shell and allows the lens to be pivoted between an operational position in which the lens covers the opening of the shell and a stowed position. Vents are established between an edge of the lens and the shell to establish an airflow over the inside surface of the lens to reduce fogging when the head-protector is subjected to an outside airflow such as wind. The vents can include a first vent that extends across the forehead of the user between the edge of the lens and the shell and a second vent that extends across the chin of the user between the edge of the lens and the shell.

Abstract: There is provided a helmet including a shield having inner coupling holes at both ends thereof and fitted and coupled to an assembly coupling hole of a shield coupling assembly provided at a helmet main body and a front opening configured to be opened and closed by the shield. The helmet includes: a lock supporting member fixed to the helmet main body; and a locker including a shield mounting portion fixed to the shield, a coupling shaft coupled to be rotated with the shield mounting portion at an end of the locker, and a locker hooking part coupled to or decoupled from the lock supporting member at the other end of the locker.

Abstract: A lens assembly for securing in an opening in a face plate of a face protector has a first, retainer lens of shape and dimensions configured to be secured in the front opening of a face plate and having a curvature substantially matching the curvature of the face plate. A second lens of smaller dimensions is secured behind the first lens to provide a lens-in-a-lens configuration. The lens assembly may be releasably secured in the face plate opening and the second lens is interchangeable with sets of lenses having different properties such as lens shade. The retainer assembly has a back cover and a gasket or spacer between the back cover and second lens to allow second lenses of different depths to be secured in the assembly.

Abstract: A reinforced visor for a full-face helmet intended to be used by dragster pilots is disclosed. The reinforced visor is able to be removably attached on a full-face helmet provided with an opening defining the field of vision of the pilot wearing the full-face helmet and is able to be entirely covered by the reinforced visor in order to protect the face of the pilot. The reinforced visor has a main visor able to be removably and pivotingly attached on the full-face helmet and a secondary visor is fixed on the exterior surface of said main visor.

Abstract: A head gear assembly for protecting a user's head, the assembly having an upper head portion; a facial protector connectively attached to the upper head portion; and a movable armature for movable engagement to at least a portion of the facial protector, wherein engagement between the movable armature and the least a portion of the facial protector forms at least one gap a gap further comprising a gap size, and wherein the gap size is adjustable from a first size to a plurality of other sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a helmet having a visor portion comprises a mouth piece portion being configured to be retainable in a mouth of a user. The mouth piece is further configured to be operable for passing a breath of the user. A telescoping duct portion is joined to the mouth piece portion. The duct portion is configured to be operable for passing the breath. A tubular portion is joined to the duct portion. The tubular portion is configured to be operable for passing the breath from the duct portion to an exterior of the helmet to mitigate condensation of the breath on an interior surface of the visor portion.

Abstract: An improved nose-shielding device comprises: a nose-shielding body, which has a nose-shielding surface and a positioning surface that are about perpendicular to each other, a nose-shielding portion is located around the central of the nose-shielding surface and protruded upward, a nose-shielding room is formed accordingly inside the nose-shielding portion, a nose-touching portion is formed at the bottom surface of the nose-shielding portion, an adjusting room is formed between the nose-touching portion and the bottom surface of the nose-shielding portion, and the improved nose-shielding device is characterized in that: the nose-shielding portion has a flexible folded member that integrates with a portion, corresponding to the bridge of an operator nose, of the nose-shielding portion, and is adjustable for the folding degree of the folded member according to the figure of the bridge of the operator nose, thus the nose-shielding body more fits the operator nose.

Abstract: A protective hood (18) of a protective garment (16) is provided for use with a face piece or mask (12) worn by a user. The hood (18) includes an outer shell (30) having a peripheral edge (20), and a gasket (22) that extends from the peripheral edge (20) to an interior of the hood (18) for sealing engagement with the face piece or mask (12) with the gasket (22) being covered by the outer shell (30) of the hood (18) when worn by a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical filter comprising: at least one optically transparent liquid-crystal shutter, the shutter having a polarization voltage ULCD that marks a threshold between two polarization states, and being designed to switch between at least two opacities OP1 and OP2, OP2 being strictly higher than OP1, when it receives a voltage that is above or below, respectively, the polarization voltage ULCD; and an electronic system comprising: an electronic module for controlling the liquid-crystal shutter, designed to control the voltage applied to the liquid crystal shutter; a photosensitive sensor, designed to deliver, to the electronic control module, a continuous voltage Ucs that varies depending on the luminous intensity that it receives, the photosensitive sensor being the only power supply of the electronic control module and the liquid-crystal shutter, the optical filter being characterized in that, if the photosensitive sensor receives a luminous intensity below a dazzle threshold le, the

Abstract: A method of adjusting an ocular gap size that includes donning a head gear assembly that further includes a rigid shell, and a facial protector connectively attached to the rigid shell further. The facial protector also includes an ocular gap having a gap size, such that the gap size is adjustable between a range of gap sizes. There is a plane defined by user's line of sight, wherein the line of sight remains unchanged when the gap size is adjusted, and adjusting the gap size to optimize the head gear performance.

Abstract: Helmet systems and methods reduce the formation of vapor condensation within the helmet interior, and inhibit fogging of the helmet visor. Exemplary embodiments include a helmet shell having a venting tube, a visor coupled with the helmet shell, a humidity sensor that senses humidity within the helmet interior cavity, and a ventilation system that removes moist air from the helmet interior.

Abstract: Protective headgear comprising one or more plates and one or more connectors, such as an adjustable strap, connecting the plates to each other and to a user's head. Each plate comprises an inner layer, a trauma plate, and an outer layer, where the trauma plate is located between the inner layer and the outer layer. The inner layer and the outer layer may be foam, while the trauma plate may be a rigid material. The one or more plates may comprise a front plate shaped to conform to the user's forehead; a back plate shaped to conform to the back of the user's head; a right plate shaped to conform to the right side of the user's head, covering the user's right ear; a left plate shaped to conform to the left side of the user's head, covering the user's left ear; and/or a top plate shaped to conform to the top of the user's head.

Abstract: Helmets and methods for manufacturing a helmet are described. An example helmet includes an upper helmet component having a shell and a shock absorbing liner and further having a lower helmet component having a shell and a shock absorbing liner. The shock absorbing liner of the lower helmet component has an angled interface portion to which the upper helmet component is attached. A vent sill is attached to the shock absorbing liner of the upper helmet component and a vent shutter is slidably attached to the vent sill. An example method include forming a first in-mold component having a shell and shock absorbing liner and forming a second in-mold component having a shell and shock absorbing liner, the shock absorbing liner having a seamless headform. After a vent shutter assembly is attached to the first in-mold component the second in-mold component is attached to the first in-mold component.

Abstract: A visor mounting apparatus for mounting a face shield to a helmet includes end portions mounted to the helmet and connecting ends of the shield to the helmet and a front attachment between the helmet and the shield comprising a mounting portion for attaching to the shield and an engagement portion having a tapered slot configured for clasping a brim of the helmet. In another embodiment the front attachment is a gasket that extends for the entire width of the shield and seals against liquid entering between the shield and the helmet. The face shield can have a varying thickness profile to correct for optical aberrations, the thickness profile taken from a center toward one lateral end that has a first region that sinusoidally decreases, and then an adjacent second region that sinusoidally increases to a third region adjacent the second region that sinusoidally decreases.

Abstract: A visor assembly for an aviation helmet includes a lens, lens/strap anti-tear interface assemblies, retainer plates, and attachment strap assemblies. A friction strip mounted on the brim of the helmet operates to increase the friction between the visor lens and the helmet. The combined function of the friction strip and the configuration of the strap assemblies operate to maintain the visor in a deployed (as-worn) positioned in front of the wearer's face, even during high speed wind blasts of up to 600 KEAS (Knots Equivalent Air Speed).

Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) includes a radial blower. The radial blower includes at least an impeller and a scroll having an upper outer surface and a lower outer surface. In one embodiment, a cross section of an air passageway of the scroll includes sides corresponding to the upper outer surface and the lower outer surface, the sides having parallel slanted segments. In another embodiment, the sides may be substantially parallel and may be curved. In yet another embodiment an upper outer surface of the scroll is concave and a lower outer surface of the scroll is convex. In that embodiment, the PAPR further includes an inlet, and the inlet is disposed at the lower outer surface.

Abstract: An improved athletic helmet comprises an outer shell having an interior and an exterior surface, an inner liner attached to the interior of the outer shell, and a face mask attached to the exterior of the outer shell. In an embodiment, the face mask engages within a recess in the exterior surface of the outer shell for receiving the face mask. The face mask may comprise a flange for engaging the recess and attaching the face mask to the outer shell. Preferably, the flange of the face mask is substantially flush with the exterior of the outer shell. In one embodiment, the inner liner comprises a viscoelastic foam. In another embodiment, the face mask comprises a lightweight magnesium material.

Abstract: A face protection grill (1) that is used to protect the face. The face protection grill is used for instance in different kinds of sports to prevent the playing instrument to hit the sportsman, referee or official to the face. It includes wires (2) and these wires have been put to their place so that when the face protection grill is in its usage position on the face of the user the halves are asymmetric with each other in relation to the vertical level (B) that is halfway between the eyes. This causes that the shadow area caused by the wires (2) does not reach at a time the vision line of both eyes (4).

Abstract: A helmet having a chin bar fastened at two points on each side of the shell. The shell is molded with recessed portions designed to receive the two branches of the chin bar on each side where they will be fastened to the shell so that the outer surfaces of the chin guard are flush with the shell at the locations of attachment to provide a smooth transition and reduce weight. An adjustment device to adjust the fit of the helmet to the user includes a star wheel on each side of the helmet attached to an arcuate flexible strip extending rearwardly around the occipital area of the skull. A sliding mechanism attached to the strip allows the strip to be moved forward and backward to allow it to be tightened or loosened, respectively, with respect to the player's head. A ratcheting lateral adjustment device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A helmet is disclosed with a detachable shield that completely envelopes or partially envelopes the helmet. This protective shield is replaceable and removable. When a helmet is scratched or worn, the protective shield may be replaced by a user. The protective shield may also be used to change the color or appearance of a helmet, as well as to alter the strength of the helmet.

Abstract: A sports face guard having a cage type construction of interconnected struts, and creating an unobstructed viewing aperture proximate to the eyes of a wearer during use, comprises a forward transverse sill defining at least one boundary of said viewing aperture. The forward transverse sill is comprised of at least two generally transverse struts extending across the front of the face of a wearer during use, said transverse sill having a proximal edge and a distal edge, wherein a first surface of said sill at said distal edge and a second surface of said sill at said proximal edge are spaced linearly apart and lie approximately along a common viewing axis of a wearer during use. The face guard comprises a sill which presents a reduced profile in the field of view of a wearer while presenting an increased surface for contact with an incoming projectile such as a ball, allowing the ball to be impeded and deflected, thereby providing a blocking effect of the guard and reducing the chance of injury to a wearer.

Abstract: A sports helmet having a domed shell, and a forward peak each having a topside and an underside, said sports helmet being configured to co-operate with a face-guard for protecting the face of a wearer, wherein said peak comprises a proximal, rigid peak portion which is connected to the helmet main body and a distal, movable peak portion which is articulated on said proximal peak portion along a prescribed line of flexure, wherein said distal peak portion is capable of being deflected upwards when impacted by a moving ball or projectile. The helmet may further comprise a face guard attached or attachable to the domed shell portion, the face guard comprising a rigid structure of protective struts capable of extending about a wearer's face; said helmet, when attached to said guard, having a viewing gap between said guard and said peak; wherein said viewing gap is defined between said peak and a generally transversely extending upper sill of said guard.

Abstract: A cheek pad for mounting on an inside of a helmet shell includes an attaching member and a cushion member, the attaching member including a base member mounted in contact with the shell and a form-maintaining member disposed at an inner lower section of the base member in a space provided with respect to the cushion member for simultaneously keeping a surface of the cushion member in a profile corresponding to the cheek and chin of a wearer when the helmet is worn by a wearer and, following displacement that causes the space to contract, is restored so as to return to an original location under normal circumstances, and kept there. Elastic members are positioned in the space between the base member and the form-maintaining member to help restore the space to an original configuration subsequent to contraction.

Abstract: The invention pertains to full-face-type helmet windshields, like motorcycle helmet windshields. A modern full-face-type motorcycle helmet, where the windshield is free to be opened and closed as a piece separate from the helmet proper, has a fully open position which stops before the top protective surface or crown area of the helmet, a fully closed position where the windshield rests on the bottom protective surface or chin guard of the helmet, and 1 or more intermediate catches between the fully opened and fully closed positions. At speeds around or above 55 mph the catches do not hold the windshield in place—wind resistance forces it fully open or fully closed. To permit airflow into the helmet and prevent the windshield from being blown completely open or closed an auxiliary prop is required.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for protecting a user's face, neck and/or ears. The protection apparatus includes a pliable draping material coupleable to a helmet. The pliable draping material includes a helmet engaging portion and a protection portion coupled to the helmet engaging portion. The protection portion protects at least one of a user's mouth, neck, and ears. The protection apparatus also includes a coupling element that couples the helmet engaging portion of the draping material to a band. The band is engageable with at least one clip on an outer surface of the helmet to removeably couple the protection apparatus to the helmet.

Abstract: A system and method for varying hologram visibility is disclosed herein. Specifically the system can comprise a shield. The shield can comprise a first layer and a second layer. The first layer can comprise a photochromic material having a dark state and a light state. The second layer can comprise a hologram that is less visible the first layer is in the light state. The method can comprise attaching a second layer to a first layer. The first layer can comprise a photochromic material having a dark state and a light state. The second layer can comprise a hologram. The hologram can be less visible when the first layer is in the light state than when the first layer is in the dark state.

Abstract: A helmet comprises a shell, a visor, a face seal, a biasing means and two guiding mechanisms. The two guiding mechanisms, each located on a different side of the shell, connect the visor to the shell. Under a bias of the biasing means, the guiding mechanisms are operative to guide the visor along a pre-determined trajectory defined by the geometry of the guiding mechanisms. Each one of the two guiding mechanisms is further provided with a guiding track arrangement which comprises a first track portion and a second track portion. The first slider slidingly engages the first track portion while the second slider slidingly engages the second track portion.

Abstract: A personal protection system with a hood and a helmet that is worn under the hood. Internal to the helmet is a fan that draws air into the hood. The fan has blades that are curved along their longitudinal axes.

Abstract: A football helmet includes an outer shell configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer. An inner liner is located substantially within the outer shell and is configured to contact at least a portion of the head of the wearer. A facial and mandibular protector is attached to the outer shell and is configured to at least partially surround a face of the wearer. The helmet has a center of gravity which, when the helmet is being worn, is substantially the same in two-dimensional location as the ventral-dorsal plane of the head of the wearer.